Gaming method and gaming machine accepting side bet

ABSTRACT

A playing method of a card game according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player&#39;s cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker&#39;s cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing a hand of the player&#39;s cards with a hand of the banker&#39;s cards; (d) dealing a predetermined number of additional cards to the player aside from the player&#39;s cards, on condition that the side BET is placed, when the normal game results in a loss of the player; (e) determining a result of an additional game by using at least the player&#39;s cards and the additional cards.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/905,052 filed on Mar. 6, 2007. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming method and a gaming machine accepting side BETs.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventionally, there have been gaming machines capable of accepting side BETs different from normal BETs. For example, in blackjack, when an upcard is an “A” card out of dealer's two cards, a player can place a side BET called insurance, in addition to a normal BET. In a case of placing insurance, the player adds the wager by half of an initial wager. When the dealer's hand is “Natural 21”, the amount twice the value of the side BET (insurance) is paid out. Further, for example, in Caribbean stud porker, a side BET is cumulatively accumulated as a progressive jackpot. When a player places a side BET in addition to an ante (a normal BET), he or she can acquire a part of or the entire progressive jackpot, according to the established hand. A game capable of accepting side BETs of this kind is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,801, U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,525 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,786.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming method and a gaming machine capable of accepting side BETs, thus exhibiting new entertainment.

The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,801, U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,525 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,786 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a playing method of a card game having the following structure.

Namely, the above mentioned playing method of a card game comprises the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing a hand of the player's cards with a hand of the banker's cards; (d) dealing a predetermined number of additional cards to the player aside from the player's cards, on condition that the side BET is placed, when the normal game results in a loss of the player; (e) determining a result of an additional game by using at least the player's cards and the additional cards.

Further, it is preferable that the playing method of a card game according to the present invention have the following structure.

The above mentioned additional game is a game, the result of which is determined by comparing said player's cards with said additional cards.

Further, it is preferable that the playing method of a card game according to the present invention have the following structure.

The above mentioned additional game is a game, the result of which is determined based on a hand of the player's cards and the additional cards

Further, it is preferable that the playing method of a card game according to the present invention have the following structure.

The additional game is a game, in which any of the player's cards is replaced by the additional card, and the result of which is determined based on a hand of cards after replacement.

Further, it is preferable that the playing method of a card game according to the present invention have the following structure.

The additional game is a game, in which the order of the card strength is changed based on the additional cards, and the result of which is determined by comparing a hand of the player's cards with a hand of the banker's cards, based on the order of the card strength after changing.

Further, there is provided a gaming machine having the following structures according to the present invention.

Namely, the above mentioned gaming machine is a gaming machine comprising: a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input device; and a controller. The controller is programmed to conduct the processing of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player's cards and a predetermined number of banker's cards to the display; (b) accepting an input of side BET different from a normal BET, from the input device; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing a hand of the player's cards with a hand of the banker's cards; (d) displaying a predetermined number of additional cards to the display, aside from the player's cards and the banker's cards, on condition that the side BET is placed, when the normal game results in a loss of the player; and (e) determining a result of an additional game by using at least the player's cards and the additional cards.

Further, it is preferable that the gaming machine of the present invention have the following structure.

The additional game is a game, the result of which is determined by comparing the player's cards with the additional cards.

Further, it is preferable that the gaming machine of the present invention have the following structure.

The additional game is a game, the result of which is determined based on a hand of the player's cards and the additional cards.

Further, it is preferable that the gaming machine of the present invention have the following structure.

the additional game is a game, in which any of the player's cards is replaced by the additional card, and the result of which is determined based on a hand of cards after replacement.

Further, it is preferable that the gaming machine of the present invention have the following structure.

The additional game is a game, in which the order of the card strength is changed based on the additional cards, and the result of which is determined by comparing a hand of the player's cards with a hand of the banker's cards, based on the order of the card strength after changing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a flow chart illustrating main-control-portion-side processing conducted in a main control portion included in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is another flow chart illustrating main-control-portion-side processing conducted in the main control portion included in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the external structure of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the external structure of a station included in the gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to a front display included in the gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to a liquid crystal display included in a station.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of the gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a station included in the gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8A is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of station-side processing conducted in a station according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 8B is another flow chart illustrating a subroutine of station-side processing conducted in the station according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of main-control-portion-side processing conducted in a main control portion included in a gaming machine according to the second embodiment

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of station-side processing conducted in a station according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to a front display included in a gaming machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to a liquid display included in a station according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of main-control-portion-side processing conducted in a main control portion included in a gaming machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13B is another flow chart illustrating a subroutine of main-control-portion-side processing conducted in the main control portion included in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of station-side processing conducted in the station according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14B is another flow chart illustrating a subroutine of station-side processing conducted in the station according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of main-control-portion-side processing conducted in a main control portion included in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine of station-side processing conducted in a station according to the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

There will be described four embodiments according to the present invention.

In the first and second embodiments, there will be described cases where Black Jack is played as a card game. In the third and fourth embodiments, there will be described cases where Pai-Gow poker is played as a card game. First, the rules of Blackjack and Pai-Gow poker conducted in the respective embodiments, will be described.

In Blackjack, a banker, and a single player or a plurality of players play a game against each other, using a single set of playing cards (52 cards). Winning or losing of a game is determined based on which score is the higher of the two between the total scores of cards dealt to the banker and the player. However, when the total score of cards exceeds 21, he or she is bust. Therefore, the player plays a game for the purpose of gaining the highest possible score, insofar as the total score of cards is not exceeding 21. In Blackjack, concerning the method for counting a score of a card, there is provided a rule as follows. Namely, an ace is counted as 1 or 11. A face card is counted as 10. The other cards with ranks are counted as the score corresponding to their own ranks.

More specifically, a game progresses as follows. First, a normal BET and a side BET are accepted. Then, two cards are dealt to each player who has placed a normal BET and the banker. Each player selects any of the actions “hit”, “stand”, “split” and “double” to take, on seeing the cards dealt to him or her. Selecting “hit” indicates that the player asks for another card. Selecting “stand” indicates that the player does not ask for a card any more. Selecting “split” indicates that the player splits the two cards in the event that the first dealt two cards have the same ranks, and plays games separately by supplying a new card to each split card. Selecting “double” indicates that the player doubles the value of BET and asks for another card. Hereinafter, selecting one kind of action to take by the player, out of four kinds of actions will be referred to as a BET selection. When the BET selections by all the players in the game finish, the banker hits a card until the total score of cards reaches 17 or more. When the total score of banker's cards reaches 17 or more, winning or losing of the game is determined by comparing the total score of banker's cards with the total score of player's cards. When the player wins, the player may newly acquire the value corresponding to the value of the normal BET. When the player loses, the player loses the value corresponding to the value of the normal BET. Further, when the first dealt cards are an ace and a card with the score of 10 (when the hand of Blackjack is held), the score of 21 held by these two cards is stronger, as a hand, than the score of 21 held by three cards or more. When the player holds a hand of Blackjack, the player may newly acquire the value corresponding to the value which is half as much again as the normal BET. A game of Blackjack described as above corresponds to a normal game according to the present invention. Hereinafter, also in the present embodiment, the game of Blackjack described as above is referred to as a normal game

In the first embodiment, when the above-mentioned normal game results in a loss of the player, a single card is determined as a comparing card, on condition that a side BET is placed. The comparing card is a card used for comparing with the cards possessed by the player. A payout is offered in accordance with the number of cards having the same rank as the rank of the determined comparing card, in the cards possessed by the player. A game conducted here on condition that a side BET is placed (hereinafter, also referred to as a side BET game), corresponds to an additional game according to the present invention. Further, the above-mentioned comparing card corresponds to an additional card according to the present invention.

In the second embodiment, when the above-mentioned normal game results in a loss of the player, supplementary cards are dealt so that the number of the cards possessed by the player becomes five, on condition that a side BET is placed. A supplementary card is a card for supplying the player with the number of cards in short, so as to make the number of the cards possessed by the player five. When a predetermined poker hand is formed by the player's card, the number of which has become five through the dealing of supplementary cards, a payout is offered in accordance with the strength of the hand. A game conducted here on condition that side BET is placed, corresponds to an additional game according to the present invention. Further, the above-mentioned supplementary card corresponds to an additional card according to the present invention.

On the other hand, in Pai-Gow porker, a banker, and a single player or a plurality of players play a game against each other, using a single set of playing cards (53 cards) including a single joker.

At first, a normal BET and a side BET are accepted. Then, 7 cards are dealt to each player who has placed a normal BET and the banker. The banker and the players divide their dealt seven cards into a set of five cards and a set of two cards. At this time, the hand of five cards (a high hand) must be as strong as the hand of two cards (the low hand) or stronger than the hand of two cards. Next, by comparing the banker's hand of five cards with the player's hand of five cards, which of them is stronger than the other is determined. Similarly, by comparing the banker's hand of two cards and the player's hand of two cards, which of them is stronger than the other is determined. When both the banker's hands of five cards and two cards are stronger than those of the player's, the game results in winning of the banker. When both the player's hands of five cards and two cards are stronger than those of the banker's, the game results in winning of the player. When one player's hand, out of the hands of five cards and two cards, is stronger than the banker's corresponding hand and the other banker's hands is stronger than the player's corresponding hand, the game is tied. Also, when both the player's hands of five cards and two cards are as strong as the banker's hands, the game results in winning of the banker. Further, as hands of five cards, there are Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two pair, One pair and No Pair, in the order of strength. As hands of two cards, there are One Pair and No Pair, in the order of strength. Further, as the strength ranking of cards, “Ace” is the highest, followed by K, Q, J, 10 . . . 2, in descending order. This strength ranking of cards corresponds to the order of the card strength according to the present invention. Further, the game of Pai-Gow poker described here corresponds to a normal game according to the present invention. Hereinafter, also in the present embodiment, the game of Pai-Gow poker described here is also referred to as a normal game.

In the third embodiment, when the above-described game results in a loss of the player, a single card is determined to be a replacement card, on condition that a side BET is placed. The replacement card is a card used for replacement with a single card out of the cards possessed by the player. In the third embodiment, a single card out of the five cards included in a high hand is replaced with the determined replacement card. When a predetermined hand is formed by the five cards after replacement, a payout is offered in accordance with the strength of the hand. The game conducted here on condition that a side BET is placed, corresponds to an additional game according to the present invention. Further, the above-described replacement card corresponds to an additional card according to the present invention.

In the fourth embodiment, when the above-described game results in a loss of the player, a single card is determined to be a special card, on condition that a side BET is placed. A special card is a card used for changing the order of card strength. In the fourth embodiment, the above-mentioned order of card strength is changed so that the rank of the determined special card becomes the highest. Then, a game of Pai-Gow poker is conducted again based on the changed order of card strength, and a payout is offered based on the result of this game. The game conducted here on condition that a side BET is placed, corresponds to an additional game according to the present invention. Further, the above-mentioned special card corresponds to an additional card according to the present invention.

There have been described the rules of Blackjack and Pai-Gow poker which are executed in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, there will be described the respective embodiments based on the drawings. Further, in each embodiment, there will be described a case where a dealer serves as a banker.

First Embodiment

First, a description about the present invention will be set forth with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are flow charts illustrating main-control-portion-side processing conducted in a main control portion included in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment comprises a main control portion and a plurality of stations, wherein each station includes a microcomputer. The above-mentioned main control portion and the above-mentioned microcomputer form a controller included in the gaming machine of the present invention. The processing illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is the processing conducted by the above-mentioned main control portion.

First, when a normal BET is placed to any of the stations included in the gaming machine (steps S101 and S102), two cards are dealt to each of the player playing a game at this station and the banker (steps S103 and S104). Here, the term “dealing” refers to displaying images of cards to a display included in the gaming machine. After the dealing of cards, the player conducts an above-stated BET selection, and the main control portion conducts processing such as dealing another card to the player and the like, in accordance with this BET selection (steps S105 to S107). When all the players in the game select “stand” as BET selection (step S106), the main control portion opens banker's cards (step S108). Then, the main control portion deals cards to the banker until the total score of banker's cards becomes equal to or more than 17 (steps S109 and S110). When the total score of banker's cards becomes equal to or more than 17, the main control portion determines winning or losing of the game by comparing the total score of banker's cards with the total score of player's cards (step S111). Then, the main control portion determines a payout based on the result of winning or losing of the game and the value of the normal BET, and conducts processing relating to the payout of the coins (steps S112 and S113).

Then, the main control portion, on condition that the above-mentioned determination of winning or losing of the game results in a loss of the player and a side BET is placed (step S114), determines a single card (step S115) and display this card to the display (step S116). The card determined here is referred to as a comparing card. Then, the main control portion conduct the processing for recognizing the number of cards having the same rank as the rank of the comparing card, in the cards possessed by the player (step S117). Then, the main control portion determines a payout based on the recognized number and the value of the side BET, and conducts the processing relating to the payout of the coins (step S118). FIGS. 1A and 1B will be described in more detail later again.

Next, there will be described the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the external structure of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 is basically comprised of a main monitor 2 and five stations 3 (stations 3 a to 3 e). Further, while, in the present embodiment, there will be described a case where the gaming machine 1 comprises a plurality of (five) stations 3, the number of stations included in a gaming machine may be one, in the present invention.

At the center portion of the main monitor 2, there is provided a front display 21 for displaying images indicating a dealer and cards. The front display 21 corresponds to a display according to the present invention. Further, on the upper side of the main monitor 2, there are provided a plurality of speakers 22 for outputting music and an effect sound along with the progression of a game executed in the gaming machine 1 and a plurality of LEDs 23 which are lighted during various types of effects.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the external structure of a station included in the gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, at the center of the upper surface of the station 3, there is provided a liquid crystal display 10 for displaying an image relating to an operation (see FIG. 5) and the like as will be described later. The liquid crystal display 10 corresponds to a display according to the present invention. Further, on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display 10, there is provided a touch panel 11 for inputting an operation for a BET and the like. The touch panel 11 corresponds to an input device according to the present invention.

In front of the liquid crystal display 10, there are provided a plurality of operation buttons 12 for performing a payout operation, and a coin insertion slot 13 for inserting a coin or a medal thereto.

At the right end of the upper portion of the front surface of the station 3, there is provided a bill insertion slot 14 for inserting a bill thereto. Below the bill insertion slot 14, there is provided a coin payout exit 15 for paying out the number of coins or medals corresponding to the accumulated credit to the player, when a payout operation is performed.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to the front display included in a gaming machine.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the front display 21 displays a dealer image 30 indicating a dealer (banker), a table image 31 indicating a table, and card images 32 indicating banker's cards. When dealing cards to the dealer, out of the card images 32, one card is displayed facing up and the other card is displayed facing down. When BET selections by all players in the game finish, the card images 32 are displayed all facing up.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to a liquid crystal display included in a station.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, at the right side of the upper portion of the liquid crystal display 10, there are provided BET selection buttons 81. The BET selection buttons 81 comprises four kinds of buttons, stand button 81A, hit button 81B, split button 81C, and double button 81D. Stand button 81A is a button for inputting a command to select “stand” as a BET selection. Hit button 81B is a button for inputting a command to select “hit” as a BET selection. Split button 81C is a button for inputting a command to select “split” as a BET selection. Double button 81D is a button for inputting a command to select “double” as a BET selection. The player can conduct a BET selection by operating each button through touch panel 11. At the left side of BET selection buttons 81, there are displayed card images 82 indicating the player's cards with their faces up.

Under the card images 82, there is provided a BET button display portion 86. To the BET button display portion 86, there are displayed BET buttons 87 for inputting the number of BETs. The player can input the number of normal BETs and the number of side BETs by operating the BET buttons 87 through the touch panel 11.

At the right side of the BET button display portion 86, there is provided a number-of-normal-BETs display portion 88 for displaying the number of coins being betted as a normal BET. FIG. 5 illustrates that 28 coins are betted. Further, in order to input a BET of 28 coins, the player can operate a “10” BET selection button 87 twice, “5” BET selection button 87 once and a “1” BET selection button 87 three times.

At the right side of the number-of-normal-BETs display portion 88, there is provided a number-of-side-BETs display portion 89 for displaying a number of coins betted as a side BET. FIG. 5 illustrates that 10 coins are betted.

At the right side of the number-of-side-BETs display portion 89, there is provided the number-of-credits display portion 90. FIG. 5 illustrates that 500 coins are being credited.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of the gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the main control portion 40 included in the gaming machine 1 comprises a microcomputer 45, as the core, which basically includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a timer 95 and a bus 44 for transferring data mutually among these devices. The main control portion 40 corresponds to a controller according to the present invention.

The ROM 43 stores various types of programs for conducting processing necessary for controlling the gaming machine 1, a data table and the like. The RAM 42 is a memory for temporarily storing various types of data calculated in the CPU 41. Further, the timer 95 conducts time measurement.

Further, the CPU 41 is connected to an image processing circuit 47, a sound circuit 48, an LED drive circuit 49 and a communication interface 50 through an I/O interface 46.

The front display 21 included in the main monitor 2 is connected to the image processing circuit 47. The plurality of speakers 22 included in the main monitor 2 are connected to the sound circuit 48. The LEDs 23 included in the main monitor 2 are connected to the LED drive circuit 49. The five stations 3 are connected to the communication interface 50.

The CPU 41 progresses a game (Black Jack) which is executed in the gaming machine 1, based on game programs (including a game program for Black Jack) stored in the ROM 43 and various types of signals received from the stations 3. Further, the CPU 41 displays an image to the front display 21, outputs sound from the plurality of speakers 22 and lights the LEDs 23, based on the above-mentioned game programs. Further, the CPU 41 transmits various types of signals to the respective stations 3, based on the above-mentioned game programs.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the internal structure of a station included in the gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the station 3 comprises, as the core, a microcomputer 55 which is basically comprised of a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53 and a bus 54 for transferring data mutually among these devices.

The ROM 53 stores various types of programs for conducting processing necessary for controlling the station 3, data tables and the like. Further, the RAM 52 temporarily stores the number of credits currently accumulated in the station 3 and various types of data calculated in the CPU 51.

Further, the CPU 51 is connected to a liquid crystal panel driving circuit 57, a touch panel driving circuit 58, a hopper driving circuit 59, a payout completion signal circuit 60, an inserted-coin detecting signal circuit 67, a bill detecting signal circuit 64, an operation signal circuit 66 and a communication interface 61, through an I/O interface 56.

A liquid crystal display 10 is connected to the liquid crystal panel driving circuit 57. A touch panel 11 is connected to the touch panel driving circuit 58. A hopper 62 is connected to the hopper driving circuit 59. A coin detecting portion 63 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 60. An inserted-coin detecting portion 68 is connected to the inserted-coin detecting signal circuit 67. A bill detecting portion 65 is connected to the bill detecting signal circuit 64. An operation button 12 is connected to the operation signal circuit 66.

The hopper 62 is provided inside the station 3 and pays out a coin through the coin payout port 15 based on a control signal outputted from the CPU 51.

The coin detecting portion 63 is provided inside the coin payout exit 15 and transmits a signal to the CPU 51 on detecting a predetermined number of coins being paid out through the coin payout exit 15.

The inserted-coin detecting portion 68, on detecting a coin being inserted from the coin insertion slot 13, detects the value of the coin and transmits a detecting signal indicative of the detected value to the CPU 51. The detected value of the coin is counted regarding a predetermined value defined as 1 credit and is stored in the RAM 52.

The bill detecting portion 65, on accepting a bill, detects the value of the bill and transmits a detecting signal indicative of the detected value to the CPU 51. The detected value of the bill is counted regarding a predetermined value defined as 1 credit and is stored in the RAM 52.

The operation button 12 is a button for performing payout operations, when payout of the coin is determined.

Next, there will be described processing conducted in the main control portion 40 and the station 3. First, there will be described processing conducted in the main control portion 40.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are flowcharts illustrating the main-control-portion-side processing conducted in the main control portion included in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, in step S101 in FIG. 1A, the CPU 41 included in the main control portion 40 receives a start signal from any of the stations 3. The start signal is a signal which makes a game of Blackjack start progressing in the gaming machine 1.

Next, in step S102, the CPU 41 receives BET information from the station 3. The BET information is information relates to BETs and includes information about whether or not a normal BET and a side BET are placed and the values of the normal BET and the side BET.

Next, in step S103, the CPU 41 determines two cards to be dealt to each player and the banker, out of a single set of playing cards, using random numbers. The two cards determined to be dealt to the player in step S103 correspond to player's cards according to the present invention, while the two cards determined to be dealt to the banker correspond to banker's cards according to the present invention. Further, to the front display 21 included in the gaming machine 1, one card is displayed facing up, while the other card is displayed facing down, as card images indicative of the two banker's cards.

Next, in step S104, the CPU 41 transmits to-be-dealt cards information to the station 3. The to-be-dealt cards information includes information indicative of the types of the cards determined to be dealt to the player and the banker (ranks and suits [heart, club, spade, diamond]). The station 3 displays card images indicative of the two player's cards to the liquid crystal display 10, based on the received to-be-dealt cards information.

Next, in step S105, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the station 3. The selection information is information relating to the BET selection conducted by the player.

Next, in step S106, the CPU 41 determines whether or not stand information is received as selection information in the step S105. Stand information is information indicative of the player's selection of “stand” as a BET selection.

When the CPU 41 determines that stand information has not been received (step S106: No), the CPU 41 conducts processing corresponding to the BET selection conducted by the player, based on the selection information received in step S105 (step S107). More specifically, when receiving information indicative of the player's selection of “hit”, the CPU 41 determines a single card to be dealt to the player using random numbers, and transmits information on this card, as to-be-dealt cards information, to the station 3 where this player is playing the game. When the CPU 41 receives information indicative of the player's selection of “split”, the CPU 41 splits the two cards displayed to the liquid crystal display 10 in the station 3 where the player is playing a game, in 2. Then, the CPU 41 determines a single card each for the split cards to newly supply, using random numbers, and transmits information on the determined cards, as to-be-dealt cards information, to the station 3 where the player is playing the game. When receiving information indicative of the player's selection of “double”, the CPU 41 determines a single card to be dealt to the player using random numbers and transmits information on this card, as to-be-dealt cards information, to the station 3 where the player is playing the game. On receiving the to-be-dealt cards information, the station 3 displays a card image corresponding to the to-be-dealt cards information, to the liquid crystal display 10.

After conducting the processing in step S107, the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S105.

When determining that stand information has been received in step S106 (step S106: Yes), the CPU 41 displays two card images indicative of the banker's cards, with their faces down, to the front display 21 (step S108).

Next, in step S109, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the total score of the banker's cards is equal to or more than 17.

When determining that the total score of the banker's cards is less than 17 (step S109: No), the CPU 41 conducts hit processing (step S110). The hit processing is processing for adding a single card to the banker's cards. More specifically, the CPU 41 determines a single card using random numbers, adds this card to the banker's cards and displays this card with its face down to the front display 21. After conducting the processing in step S110, the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S109.

When determining that the total score of the banker's cards is equal to or more than 17 (step S109: Yes), the CPU 41 conducts winning or losing determination processing (step S111). More specifically, the CPU 41 determines winning or losing of the game by determining which score is the higher of the two through comparing the total score of the banker's cards with the total score of the player's cards. The processing conducted by the CPU 41 in step S111 corresponds to processing for determining the result of the normal game according to the present invention.

Next, in step S112, the CPU 41 transmits, to the station 3, information indicative of the winning or losing of the game determined in step S111 (hereinafter, also referred to as winning/losing information). The station 3, on receiving the winning/losing information, displays a single image describing any one of “you win”, “you lose” and “tie” to the liquid crystal display 10, based on the winning/losing information.

Next, in step S113, the CPU 41 transmits normal BET payout information to the station 3. The normal BET payout information is information indicative of the value of a credit (currency value) to be paid out for a normal BET. More specifically, when the player wins, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of a credit value which is twice the value of the normal BET, and in the event of a tie, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of the same credit value as the value of the normal BET. Also, when the banker wins, the CPU 41 transmits information indicating that the value of a credit to be offered is 0.

There has been described the processing relating to the normal game conducted in the main control portion 40, with reference to FIG. 1A. Hereinafter, there will be described processing relating to a side BET game, with reference to FIG. 1B.

In step S114 in FIG. 1B, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the normal game results in a loss of the player and a side BET is placed (hereinafter, referred to as a side BET signal) is received from the station 3. When determining that no side BET signal is received, the CPU 41 ends the present main-control-portion-side processing.

On the other hand, when determining that a side BET signal is received, in step S115, the CPU 41 conducts comparing-card (an additional card, according to the present invention) determination processing. More specifically, the CPU 41 selects a single card out of a single set of playing cards (52 cards) using random numbers, and determines this card to be a comparing card.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a comparing card is determined, out of a single set of playing cards different from the single set of playing cards used for the game. However, the method for determining an additional card according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an additional card may be determined, out of unused cards in the single set of playing cards used for the game.

Further, while, in the present embodiment, a single comparing card is determined, a plurality of additional cards may be determined in the present invention.

Further, in the present embodiment, the comparing card is a common card for each player. However, additional cards may be different for each player, in the present invention.

Next, in step S116, the CPU 41 displays the determined comparing card to the front display 21.

Next, in step S117, the CPU 41 conducts count processing. The count processing is processing for recognizing, based on the to-be-dealt cards information transmitted to the station 3 in the steps S104 and S107, the number of cards having the same rank as the rank of the comparing card determined in step S115, in the cards dealt to the player. The count processing corresponds to comparing, according to the present invention.

However, the aspect of the comparing according to the present invention is not limited to the case.

For example, in the present embodiment, the number of cards having the same rank as the rank of the comparing card, in the player's cards, is counted. However, the relativity focused with regard to the comparing according to the present invention, is not limited thereto. For example, in the comparing according to the present invention, attention may be focused on the magnitude of ranks between the comparing card and the player's cards. In this case, for example, it is possible to employ a structure that the number of cards, in the player's cards, having ranks greater than the rank of the comparing card is counted. Further, an object for comparing in the present invention is not limited to the rank. For example, an object for comparing in the present invention may be suits. In this case, for example, it is possible to employ a structure that the number of cards, in the player's cards, having the same suit as the suit of the comparing card is counted.

In the above examples, the number of cards satisfying a predetermined condition is counted by comparing player's cards with the comparing card one by one. Namely, in the present invention, it is possible to obtain a result of the comparing by compiling information resulted from comparing player's cards with a comparing card one by one.

However, the method for obtaining the result of the comparing is not limited to the case in the present invention. The comparing may be made between information obtained from a plurality of cards possessed by the player and information of the comparing card. For example, it is possible to obtain a result of the comparing by calculating an average value of the cards possessed by the player and comparing this average value with the rank of the comparing card.

Next, in step S118, the CPU 41 transmits side BET payout information to the station 3. The side BET payout information is information indicative of the value of a credit (currency value) to be paid out for a side BET. More specifically, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of a credit value which is five times the value of the side BET value multiplied by a value corresponding to the number recognized in step S17. For example, when the player bets 10 coins as a side BET and in the player's cards, there are two cards having the same rank as the rank of the comparing card, 100 coins (10×2×5=100) are offered to the player.

In the present embodiment, the resource for a payout relating to a side BET game is coins betted as a side BET. Namely, in the present embodiment, as a side BET game is played only when a normal game results in a loss of the player, in the case where the normal game results in winning of the player or a tie, a payout relating to the side BET game is not offered and coins betted as the side BET are to be accumulated. The coins accumulated as described above form the resource for the payout relating to the side BET game. However, in the present invention, the resource for the payout relating to the side BET game is not limited to the case. It may be the same resource as the resource for the payout relating to the normal game.

After conducting the processing in step S118, the CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

There has been described the processing conducted in the main control portion 40 with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

When conducting the processing in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the main control portion 40 functions as a controller according to the present invention.

Next, there will be described processing conducted in a station 3.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are flow charts illustrating a subroutine of the station-side processing which is conducted in a station according to the first embodiment.

First, in step S201 in FIG. 8A, the CPU 51 included in the station 3 transmits a start signal to the main control portion 40, on receiving a signal from the touch panel 11, indicative of the detection of a contact, or a signal from the inserted-coin detecting portion 68, indicative of the detection of the coin insertion. Thus, the main control portion 40 progresses the processing illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 51 accepts inputs of a normal BET and a side BET. This enables the player to input a normal BET and a side BET through the touch panel 11 included in the station 3.

Next, in step S203, the CPU 51 transmits BET information on the inputted BET to the main control portion 40. The main control portion 40, on receiving the BET information, determines cards to be dealt to the player and the banker (see step S103 in FIG. 1A).

Next, in step S204, the CPU 51 receives to-be-dealt cards information indicative of the cards to be dealt to the player, from the main control portion 40.

Next, in step S205, the CPU 51 displays card images indicative of the seven player's cards to the dealt-card display portion 83 in the liquid crystal display 10, based on the to-be-dealt cards information received in step S204.

Next, in step S206, the CPU 51 accepts a BET selection. In response to this acceptance, the player conducts a BET selection through the touch panel 11.

Next, in step S207, the CPU 51 transmits selection information to the main control portion 40. The selection information is information relating to the BET selection conducted by the player in step S206.

Next, in step S208, the CPU 51 determines whether or not to have transmitted stand information, as selection information in step S207. Stand information is information indicative of the player's selection of “stand” as a BET selection.

When determining that the CPU 51 has not transmitted stand information (step S208: No), namely, when the player has made a selection other than “stand” as a BET selection, the CPU 51 conducts processing corresponding to the player's BET selection (selection processing) (step S209). More specifically, the CPU 51 displays, based on to-be-dealt cards information transmitted from the main control portion 40 in step S107, card images corresponding to the to-be-dealt cards information, to the liquid crystal display 10. Also, when the player selects “split” or “double” as a BET selection, the CPU 51 conducts processing for doubling the BET value. Namely, the CPU 51 conducts processing for subtracting a value corresponding to the normal BET value inputted in step S202 from the number of credits accumulated in the RAM 52 and conducts processing for adding this value to the normal BET value.

After conducting the processing in the step S209, the CPU 51 returns the processing to step S206.

When determining that the CPU 51 has transmitted stand information in step S208 (step S208: Yes), the CPU 51 receives winning/losing information from the main control portion 40 (step S210). Subsequently, the CPU 51 displays an image indicating any one of “you win”, “you lose” and “tie” to the liquid crystal display 10, for a predetermined time period (10 seconds, in the present embodiment), based on the received winning/losing information.

Next, in step S211, the CPU 51 receives normal BET payout information from the main control portion 40. On receiving the normal BET payout information, the CPU 51 stores, in the RAM 52, credit data based on the normal BET payout information.

Next, in step S212, the CPU 51 pays out a credit based on the normal BET payout information received in step S211.

There has been described the processing relating to the normal game conducted in the station 3, with reference to FIG. 8A. Hereinafter, there will be described processing relating to a side BET game, with reference to FIG. 8B.

Next, in step S213 in FIG. 8B, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the normal game results in a loss of the player, based on the winning/losing information received in step S210. When determining that the player does not loses, the CPU 51 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that the player loses, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the side BET has been inputted during the BET reception in step S202 (step S214). When the CPU 51 determines that a side BET is not inputted, the present subroutine ends.

On the other hand, when determining that the side BET is inputted, the CPU 51 transmits a side BET signal indicating that the normal game results in a loss of the player and that the side BET is placed, to the main control portion 40 (step S215).

Next, in step S216, the CPU 51 receives side BET payout information from the main control portion 40. On receiving the side BET payout information, the CPU 51 stores, in the RAM 52, credit data based on the side BET payout information.

Next, in step S217, the CPU 51 pays out a credit based on the side BET payout information received in step S216.

After the execution of the processing in step S217, the present subroutine ends.

When executing the processing in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a microcomputer functions as a controller according to the present invention.

While, in the first embodiment, there has been described a case where the card game is played using the gaming machine 1, the card game may be played without using a gaming machine (for example, a banker and a player may play a game around an actual table) in the present invention. In this case, there may be employed a playing method of a card game comprising the following steps of: (a) dealing a first predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a first predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing the hand of the above-mentioned player's cards with the hand of the above-mentioned banker's cards; (d) dealing a predetermined number of additional cards to the player aside from the above-mentioned player's cards, on condition that the above-mentioned side BET is placed, when the above-mentioned normal game results in a loss of the player; (e) determining a result of an additional game by using at least the above-mentioned player's cards and the above-mentioned additional cards. Here, the above-mentioned additional game is a game, the result of which is determined by comparing the above-mentioned player's cards with the above-mentioned additional cards.

Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in steps S103 and S104, and the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S204 and S205 correspond to the above-mentioned step (a). The processing conducted by the station 3 in step S202 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (b). Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in step S111 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (c). Further, the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S213 to S215, and the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in steps S114 to S116 correspond to the above-mentioned step (d). Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in step S117 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (e).

Second Embodiment

As previously described, also in the second embodiment, Blackjack is played as a card game. The descriptions of the external appearance and the internal structure of the gaming machine 1, images to be displayed to the display and the like, which have been given with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 in the first embodiment, apply to those of the second embodiment. Therefore, descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Further, the descriptions of the processing relating to a normal game conducted in the main control portion 40 (see FIG. 1A) and the processing relating to the normal game conducted in the station 3 (see FIG. 8A) also apply to those of the second embodiment. Therefore, descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Hereinafter, there will be described processing relating to a side BET game conducted in the main control portion 40 and the station 3. Further, the same components as the components of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference characters, in the following description.

First, there will be described processing conducted in the main control portion.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the main-control-portion-side processing which is conducted in the main control portion according to the second embodiment.

First, in step S314 in FIG. 9, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a signal indicating that a normal game results in a loss of the player and that a side BET is placed, is received from a station 3. When determining that no side BET signal is received, the CPU 41 ends the present main-control-portion-side processing.

On the other hand, when determining that a side BET signal is received, the CPU 41 conducts supplementary-cards (an additional card, according to the present invention) determination processing, in step S315. More specifically, the CPU 41 selects the later-mentioned number of cards out of unused cards in the single set of playing cards used for the game, using random numbers, and determines these cards to be supplementary cards. The number of supplementary cards is the number resulting from subtracting the number of cards possessed by the player at the end of the normal game, from 5. For example, when the player selects “stand” as the first BET selection in a normal game, the player possesses two cards at the end of the normal game. Accordingly, in this case, the number of supplementary cards is 3 (5−2=3).

Next, in step S316, the CPU 41 transmits, to the station 3, cards information on the determined supplementary cards (supplementary-cards information).

Next, in step S317, the CPU 41 determines whether or not any one of predetermined poker hands is formed by the player's cards, the number of which has become five through the dealing of supplementary cards. The predetermined poker hands refer to Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight and Three of a kind. However, in the present invention, the predetermined poker hands relating to the side BET game (an additional game, according to the present invention) are not limited to the case, but known poker hands may be employed as appropriate.

Further, it is not necessarily required to relate the procedure for determining the result of the additional game according to the present invention, to whether or not a poker hand is formed. It is possible to employ whether or not a hand of a card game other than poker is formed.

In addition, it is not necessarily required that the procedure for determining the result of the additional game according to the present invention, is based on a predetermined hand used in a card game. For example, the hand may be determined in advance for each gaming machine or may be determined at random for each game.

When determining, in step S317, that any of the predetermined hands is not formed, the CPU 41 ends the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that any one of the predetermined hands is formed, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S318.

In step S318, the CPU 41 transmits side BET payout information to the station 3. The side BET payout information is information indicative of the value of a credit (currency value) to be paid out for a side BET. More specifically, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of a credit value resulting from multiplying the value of the side BET by a predetermined rate which is determined for each poker hand.

After conducting the processing in step S318, the CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

There has been described the processing conducted in the main control portion 40, with reference to FIG. 9. When conducting the processing in FIG. 9, the main control portion 40 functions as a controller according to the present invention.

Next, there will be described the processing conducted in the station 3.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the subroutine of the station-side processing conducted in a station according to the second embodiment.

First, in step S413 in FIG. 10, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the normal game results in a loss of the player, based on winning/losing information on the normal game. When determining that the normal game does not result in a loss of the player, the CPU 51 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that the normal game results in a loss of the player, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a side BET has been inputted during the BET reception (step S414). When determining that no side BET has been inputted, the CPU 51 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that a side BET has been inputted, the CPU 51 transmits, to the main control portion 40, a side BET signal which is a signal indicating that the normal game results in a loss of the player and a side BET is placed (step S415).

Next, in step S416, the CPU 51 receives supplementary-cards information transmitted from the main control portion 40 in step S316.

Next, in step S417, the CPU 51 displays card images indicative of the supplementary cards, to the liquid crystal display 10, based on the supplementary-cards information received in step S416.

Next, in step S418, the CPU 51 receives side BET payout information from the main control portion 40. On receiving the side BET payout information, the CPU 51 stores, in the RAM 52, credit data based on the side BET payout information.

Next, in step S419, the CPU 51 pays out a credit, based on the side BET payout information received in step S418.

After conducting the processing in step S419, the present subroutine ends.

When conducting the processing in FIG. 10, the microcomputer 55 functions as a controller according to the present invention.

While, in the second embodiment, there has been described a case where the card game is played using the gaming machine 1, the card game may be played without using a gaming machine (for example, a banker and a player may play a game around an actual table) in the present invention. In this case, there may be employed a playing method of a card game comprising the following steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing the hand of the above-mentioned player's cards with the hand of the above-mentioned banker's cards; (d) dealing a predetermined number of additional cards to the player aside from the above-mentioned player's cards, on condition that the side BET is placed, when the above-mentioned normal game results in a loss of the player; (e) determining a result of an additional game by using at least the above-mentioned player's cards and the above-mentioned additional cards. Here, the above-mentioned additional game is a game, the result of which is determined by comparing the above mentioned player's cards with the above mentioned additional cards.

With regard to the above-mentioned steps (a) to (c), the description in the first embodiment may be applied. Further, the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S413 to S415, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in steps S314 to S316, and the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S416 and S417 correspond to the above-mentioned step (d). Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in step S317 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (e).

Third Embodiment

As previously described, in the third embodiment, different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment, Pai-Gow poker is played as a card game. However, the descriptions of the external appearance and the internal structure of the gaming machine 1 which have been given with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 in the first embodiment apply to the third embodiment, except that game programs are for blackjack, not for Pai-Gow poker. Therefore, description thereof will not be repeated. Hereinafter, components corresponding to those of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference characters.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to the front display included in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment.

Unlike the image in FIG. 4, in the third embodiment, seven card images 32 are displayed in association with the execution of Pai-Gow poker. The card images 32 are displayed facing down, when cards are dealt to the dealer. When a high hand and a low hand are determined, the card images 32 are displayed facing up. In FIG. 11, the five cards on the observer's left side indicate the high hand, and the two cards on the observer's right side indicate the low hand. With regard to the other points, the same descriptions as those with reference to FIG. 4 may be applied.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an exemplary image which is displayed to the liquid crystal display included in a station according to the third embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, at an upper portion of the liquid crystal display 10, there are provided a high-hand display portion 180 for displaying the player's high hand and a low-hand display portion 181 for displaying the player's low hand. To the high-hand display portion 180 and the low-hand display portion 181, there are displayed card images 182 indicating the cards of the high hand and a card image 82 indicating the cards of the low hand, respectively, with their faces up. Under the high-hand display portion 180, there is provided a dealt-card display portion 183. To the seven dotted boxes in the dealt-card display portion 183, card images indicating the seven player's cards dealt to the player are displayed with their faces up. On the right side of the dealt-card display portion 183, there are provided a high-hand determination button 184 and a low-hand determination button 185 for determining the cards constituting the high hand and the low hand. The player can determine a high hand by selecting cards that he or she desires to have in his or her high hand out of the cards displayed to the dealt-card display portion 183 through the touch panel 11 and operating the high-hand determination button 184 through the touch panel 11. The cards determined to be included in the high hand are displayed to the high-hand display portion 180. Similarly, the player can determine a low hand by selecting cards that he or she desires to have in his or her low hand out of the cards displayed to the dealt-card display portion 183 through the touch panel 11 and operating the low-hand determination button 185 through the touch panel 11.

With regard to the other components, the descriptions which have given with reference to FIG. 4 may be applied, and description thereof will not be repeated.

Next, there will be described processing which is conducted in the main control portion 40 and the station 3. First, the processing conducted in the main control portion 40 will be described.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts illustrating the subroutine of the main-control-portion-side processing conducted in the main control portion according to the third embodiment.

First, in step S501 in FIG. 13A, the CPU 41 included in the main control portion 40 receives a start signal from a station 3. The start signal is a signal which makes a game of Blackjack start progressing in the gaming machine 1.

Next, in step S502, the CPU 41 receives BET information from the station 3. The BET information is information on BETs and includes information indicative of whether or not a normal BET and a side BET have been placed and information indicative of the values of the normal BET and the side BET.

Next, in step S503, the CPU 41 determines seven cards to be dealt to each of the player and the banker, out of a single set of playing cards, using random numbers. Further, the CPU 41 displays card images indicating the seven banker's cards facing down to the front display 21 included in the gaming machine 1.

Next, in step S504, the CPU 41 transmits to-be-dealt cards information to the station 3. The to-be-dealt cards information includes information indicative of the types of the cards determined to be dealt to the player and the banker (ranks and suits [heart, club, spade, diamond]). The station 3 displays card images indicative of the seven player's cards to a liquid crystal display 10, based on the received to-be-dealt cards information, and accepts an input for dividing the cards into a set of five cards (a high hand) and a set of two cards (a low hand).

Next, in step S505, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the station 3. The selection information is information indicating which cards are selected as the high hand and which cards are selected as the low hand.

Next, in step S506, the CPU 41 conducts processing for dividing the cards dealt to the banker into a high hand and a low hand.

Next, in step S507, the CPU 41 displays card images indicative of the high hand and the low hand determined in step S506, with their faces up, to the front display 21.

Next, in step S508, the CPU 41 conducts processing for Determining winning or losing of the game, based on the selection information received in step S505 and the high hand and the low hand determined in step S506. More specifically, the CPU 41 determines winning or loosing of the game based on the results of determination, in which the CPU 41 determines which hand is the stronger of the two by comparing the player's high hand with the banker's high hand and the player's low hand with the banker's low hand. More specifically, when the player's high hand is stronger than the banker's high hand and the player's low hand is stronger than the banker's low hand, the player wins, and when the banker's high hand is stronger than the player's high hand and the banker's low hand is stronger than the player's low hand, the banker wins. When one player's hand, out of the high hand and the low hand, is stronger than the banker's corresponding hand and the other banker's hand is stronger than the player's corresponding hand, the game is tied. The player's high hand and low hand correspond to the hands of player's cards according to the present invention, and the banker's high hand and low hand correspond to the hands of banker's cards according to the present invention. In the third embodiment, the player's cards and the hands of the player's cards are not identical, and the banker's cards and the hands of the banker's cards are not identical either. However, in the present invention, the player's cards and the hands of the player's cards may be identical, and the banker's cards and the hands of the banker's cards may be identical too.

Next, in step S509, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of the winning or losing of the game determined in step S508 (hereinafter, also referred to as winning/losing information) to the station 3. The station 3, on receiving the winning/losing information, displays a single image describing any one of “you win”, “you lose” and “tie” to the liquid crystal display 10, based on the winning/losing information.

Next, in step S510, the CPU 41 transmits normal BET payout information to the station 3. The normal BET payout information is information indicative of the value of a credit (currency value) to be paid out for a normal BET. More specifically, when the player wins, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of a credit value which is twice the value of the normal BET, and in the case of a tie, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of the same credit value as the value of the normal BET. Also, when the banker wins, the CPU 41 transmits information indicating that the value of a credit to be offered is 0.

There has been described the processing relating to the normal game conducted in the main control portion 40, with reference to FIG. 13A. Hereinafter, there will be described processing relating to a side BET game, with reference to FIG. 13B.

In step S511 in FIG. 13B, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a signal indicative of the player's loss in the normal game and a side BET being placed (hereinafter, also referred to as a side BET signal) is received from the station 3. When the CPU 41 determines that no side BET signal is received, the CPU 41 ends the present main-control-portion-side processing.

On the other hand, when the CPU 41 determines that a side BET signal is received, the CPU 41 conducts replacement-card (an additional card, according to the present invention) determination processing, in step S512. More specifically, the CPU 41 selects a single card out of unused cards in a single set of playing cards used for the game, using random numbers, and determines this card to be a replacement card.

Next, in step S513, the CPU 41 transmits, to the station 3, card information on the determined replacement card (replacement-card information).

Next, in step S514, the CPU 41 determines whether or not any one of predetermined poker hands is formed by the hand resulting from the replacement of a single card out of the five cards constituting the player's high hand, with the replacement card. The predetermined poker hands refer to Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a kind, Two Pair and One Pair. However, in the present invention, the predetermined poker hands relating to the side BET game are not limited to the case. It is possible to employ known poker hands as appropriate. Further, it is not necessarily required to relate the procedure for determining the result of the additional game according to the present invention, to whether or not a poker hand is formed. It is possible to employ whether or not a hand of a card game other than poker is formed. In addition, it is not necessarily required that the procedure for determining the result of the additional game according to the present invention, is based on predetermined hands used in a card game. For example, the hand may be determined in advance for each gaming machine or may be determined at random for each game. In this case, it is not necessarily required to set the total number of cards to be dealt to the player is five, but the total number of cards may be set as appropriate.

Further, in the third embodiment, only the five cards constituting the high hand, out of the seven cards dealt to the player, are used for determining the result of the side BET game. However, the cards used in the additional game according to the present invention may be a part of or all of the player's cards.

Further, a card in the high hand to be replaced in step S514, is selected so that the hand of the five cards resulting from the replacement of this card is stronger than hands resulting from the replacement of the other cards in the high hand. Namely, the card to be replaced is automatically selected by the gaming machine 1. However, in the present invention, the card to be replaced may be selected by the player.

Further, in the present embodiment, a single card out of the five cards constituting the player's high hand is replaced with the replacement card. However, in the present invention, a single card out of the seven cards including the cards constituting the player's low hand may be replaced.

In step S514, when determining that any of the predetermined hands is not formed, the CPU 41 ends the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that any one of the predetermined hands is formed, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S515.

In step S515, the CPU 41 transmits side BET payout information to the station 3. The side BET payout information is information indicative of the value of a credit (the currency value) to be paid out for a side BET. More specifically, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of a credit value resulting from multiplying the value of the side BET by a predetermined rate determined for each of the above-mentioned predetermined poker hands.

After conducting the processing in step S515, the CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

There has been described the processing conducted in the main control portion 40, with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B. When conducting the processing in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the main control portion 40 functions as a controller according to the present invention.

Next, there will be described processing conducted in the station 3.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating the subroutine of the station-side processing conducted in a station according to the third embodiment.

At first, in step S601 in FIG. 14A, the CPU 51 included in the station 3 transmits a start signal to the main control portion 40, on receiving a signal from the touch panel 11, indicative of the detection of a contact or a signal from the inserted-coin detecting portion 68, indicative of the detection of the coin insertion. This makes the processing illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B progress in the main control portion 40.

Next, in step S602, the CPU 51 accepts inputs of a normal BET and a side BET. This enables the player to input a normal BET and a side BET through the touch panel 11 included in the station 3.

Next, in step S603, the CPU 51 transmits BET information on the inputted BET to the main control portion 40. The main control portion 40, on receiving the BET information, determines cards to be dealt to the player and the banker.

Next, in step S604, the CPU 51 receives to-be-dealt cards information indicative of the cards to be dealt to the player, from the main control portion 40.

Next, in step S605, the CPU 51 displays card images indicative of the seven player's cards to the dealt-card display portion 183 in the liquid crystal display 10, based on the to-be-dealt cards information received in step S604.

Next, in step S606, the CPU 51 accepts inputs of selections of a high hand and a low hand. This enables the player to determine a high hand and a low hand in the dealt cards by operating the high-hand determination button 184 and the low-hand determination button 185 through the touch panel 11.

Next, in step S607, the CPU 51 transmits selection information based on the selection of the high hand and the low hand to the main control portion 40. The main control portion 40, on receiving the selection information, conducts processing for determining a high hand and a low hand of the banker's cards and determining winning or losing of the game.

Next, in step S608, the CPU 51 receives winning/losing information from the main control portion 40.

Subsequently, the CPU 51 displays an image indicating any one of “you win”, “you lose” and “tie” to the dealt-card display portion 183 in the liquid crystal display 10, for a predetermined time period (10 seconds, in the present embodiment), based on the received winning/losing information.

Next, in step S609, the CPU 51 receives normal BET payout information from the main control portion 40. On receiving the normal BET payout information, the CPU 51 stores, in the RAM 52, credit data based on the normal BET payout information.

Next, in step S610, the CPU 51 pays out a credit based on the normal BET payout information received in step S609.

There has been described the processing relating to a normal game conducted in the station 3, with reference to FIG. 14A. Hereinafter, there will be described processing relating to a side BET game, with reference to FIG. 14B.

First, in step S611 in FIG. 14B, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the normal game results in a loss of the player, based on the winning/losing information of the normal game. When the CPU 51 determines that the normal game does not result in a loss of the player, the CPU 51 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that the normal game results in a loss of the player, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a side BET has been inputted during the BET reception (step S612). When determining that no side BET is inputted, the CPU 51 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that a side BET is inputted, the CPU 51 transmits, to the main control portion 40, a side BET signal indicating that the normal game results in a loss of the player and a side BET is placed (step S613).

Next, in step S614, the CPU 51 receives replacement-card information transmitted from the main control portion 40 in step S513.

Next, in step S615, the CPU 51 displays a card image indicative of the replacement card to the liquid crystal display 10, based on the replacement-card information received in step S614.

Next, in step S616, the CPU 51 receives side BET payout information from the main control portion 40. On receiving the side BET payout information, the CPU 51 stores, in the RAM 52, credit data based on the side BET payout information.

Next, in step S617, the CPU 51 pays out a credit, based on the side BET payout information received in step S616. After conducting the processing in step S617, the present subroutine ends.

When conducting the processing in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the microcomputer 55 functions as a controller according to the present invention.

While, in the third embodiment, there has been described a case where the card game is played using the gaming machine 1, the card game may be played without using a gaming machine (for example, a banker and a player play a game around an actual table) in the present invention. In this case, there may be employed a playing method of a card game comprising the following steps of; (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing a hand of the above-mentioned player's cards and a hand of the above-mentioned banker's cards; (d) dealing a predetermined number of additional cards to the player aside from the above-mentioned player's cards, on condition that the above-mentioned side BET is placed, when the above-mentioned normal game results in a loss of the player; and (e) determining a result of an additional game, using at least the above-mentioned player's cards and the above-mentioned additional cards. Here, the above-mentioned additional game is a game in which any of the above-mentioned player's cards is replaced with the above-mentioned additional card, and the result of which is determined based on the hand of the cards resulting from the replacement.

Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in steps S503 and S504, and the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S604 and S605 correspond to the above-mentioned step (a). Further, the processing conducted by the station 3 in step S602 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (b). Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in step S508 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (c). Further, the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S611 to S613, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in steps S511 to S513, and the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S614 and S615 correspond to the above-mentioned step (d). Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in step S514 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (e).

Fourth Embodiment

As previously described, also in the fourth embodiment, Pai-Gow poker is played as a card game. Further, the descriptions of the external appearance and the internal structure of the gaming machine 1, images to be displayed to the display and the like which have been given with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, 11, and 12 in the first embodiment and the third embodiment, apply to the fourth embodiment. Therefore, descriptions thereof will not be repeated here. Further, the description of the processing relating to the normal game conducted in the main control portion 40 (see FIG. 13A) and the description of the processing relating to the normal game conducted in the station 3 (see FIG. 14A) in the first embodiment and the third embodiment, also apply to the fourth embodiment. Therefore, descriptions thereof will not be repeated here. Hereinafter, there will be described processing relating to a side BET game conducted in the main control portion 40 and the station 3. Further, components corresponding to those of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment and the third embodiment will be designated by the same reference characters, in the following description.

First, there will be described processing conducted in the main control portion.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the main-control-portion-side processing conducted in the main control portion according to the fourth embodiment.

First, in step S711 in FIG. 15, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the normal game results in a loss of the player and a side BET is placed (hereinafter, also referred to as a side BET signal), is received from the station 3. When determining that no side BET signal is received, the CPU 41 ends the present main-control-portion-side processing.

On the other hand, when determining that a side BET signal is received, in step S115, the CPU 41 conducts special-card (an additional card, according to the present invention) determination processing. More specifically, the CPU 41 selects a single card out of a single set of playing cards (52 cards), using random numbers, and determines this card to be a special card.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a special card is selected out of a single set of playing cards different from the single set of playing cards used for the game. However, the method for determining an additional card according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an additional card may be selected out of unused cards in the single set of playing cards used for the game.

Further, while, in the present embodiment, a single special card is determined, a plurality of additional cards may be determined in the present invention.

Further, in the present embodiment, the special card is a common card for each player. However, additional cards may be different for each player, in the present invention.

Next, in step S713, the CPU 41 displays the determined special card to the front display 21.

Next, in step S714, the CPU 41 conducts processing for determining winning or losing of the game, based on the selection information received in the normal game and the special card determined in step S712. More specifically, the strength ranking of cards (the order of the card strength, according to the present invention) is changed, so that the rank of the special card is to be the highest. For example, in the case where the special card has a rank of 8, the order of card strength is 8, A, K, Q, . . . , 9, 7 . . . 2, in descending order. Further, based on the changed order of the card strength, the CPU 41 determines which hand is the stronger of the two by comparing the player's high hand with the banker's high hand, and determines the one having the stronger hand to be a winner.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the strength ranking of cards is changed so that the rank of the special card is to be the highest. However, the aspect of changing the order of the card strength according to the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the order of the card strength may be changed so that the rank of the special card is to be the lowest.

Further, in the above-mentioned examples, only the rank of the special card is shifted its place in the strength ranking of cards, while the order of strength of the other ranks is not changed. However, the order of strength of ranks other than the rank of the special card may also be changed. For example, the strength ranking of cards may be changed such that the rank of the special card is to be the highest and the rank greater than the rank of the special card by 1 is to be the lowest. For example, in the case where the special card has a rank of 8, there may be employed a structure that the strength ranking of cards is changed to be 8, 7, 6 . . . 2, A, K . . . 9, in descending order.

Next, in step S715, the CPU 41 transmits, to the station 3, information indicative of the winning or losing of the game determined in step S714 (hereinafter, also referred to as winning/losing information). The station 3, on receiving the winning/losing information, displays an image describing any one of “you win”, “you lose” and “tie” to the liquid crystal display 10, based on the winning/losing information.

Next, in step S716, the CPU 41 transmits side BET payout information to the station 3. The side BET payout information is information indicative of the value of a credit (currency value) to be paid out for a side BET. More specifically, when the player wins, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of a credit value which is twice the value of the side BET. In the case of a tie, the CPU 41 transmits information indicative of the same credit value as the value of the side BET. Further, when the banker wins, the CPU 41 transmits information indicating that the value of a credit to be offered is 0. After conducting the processing in step S716, the CPU 41 ends the present subroutine.

There has been described the processing conducted in the main control portion 40, with reference to FIG. 15. When conducting the processing in FIG. 15, the main control portion 40 functions as a controller according to the present invention. Next, the processing conducted in the station 3 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the subroutine of the station-side processing which is conducted in the station according to the fourth embodiment.

First, in step S811 in FIG. 16, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the normal game results in a loss of the player, based on the winning/losing information on the normal game. When determining that the normal game does not result in a loss of the player, the CPU 51 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that the normal game results in a loss of the player, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a side BET has been inputted during the BET reception (step S812). When determining that no side BET is inputted, the CPU 51 ends the present subroutine.

On the other hand, when determining that a side BET is inputted, the CPU 51 transmits, to the main control portion 40, a side BET signal which is a signal indicating that the normal game results in a loss of the player and a side BET is placed (step S813).

Next, in step S814, the CPU 51 receives winning/losing information transmitted from the main control portion 40 in step S715.

Next, in step S815, the CPU 51 receives side BET payout information from the main control portion 40. On receiving the side BET payout information, the CPU 51 stores credit data, in the RAM 52, based on the side BET payout information.

Next, in step S816, the CPU 51 pays out a credit, based on the side BET payout information received in step S815.

After conducting the processing in step S816, the present subroutine ends.

When conducting the processing in FIG. 16, the microcomputer 55 functions as a controller according to the present invention.

While, in the fourth embodiment, there has been described a case where the card game is played using the gaming machine 1, the card game may be played without using a gaming machine (for example, a banker and a player can play a game around an actual table) in the present invention. In this case, there may be employed a playing method of a card game comprising the following steps of; (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing the hand of the above-mentioned player's cards and the hand of the above-mentioned banker's cards; (d) dealing a predetermined number of additional cards to the player aside from the above-mentioned player's cards, on condition that the above-mentioned side BET is placed, when the above-mentioned normal game results in a loss of the player; and (e) determining a result of an additional game, using at least the above-mentioned player's cards and the above-mentioned additional cards. Here, the above-mentioned additional game is a game, in which the order of the card strength is changed based on the above-mentioned additional card, and the result of which is determined by comparing the hand of the above-mentioned player's cards with the hand of the above-mentioned banker's cards based on the order of the card strength after changing.

With regard to the above-mentioned steps (a) to (c), the description in the third embodiment may be applied. Further, the processing conducted by the station 3 in steps S811 to S813, and the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in steps S711 to S713 correspond to the above-mentioned step (d). Further, the processing conducted by the main control portion 40 in step S714 corresponds to the above-mentioned step (e).

There have been described the four embodiments according to the present invention.

While, in each embodiment, there has been described a case where a game relating to a side BET is executed only when a normal game results in a loss of the player, the condition to be satisfied for executing the additional game is not limited thereto. For example, the additional game may be executed when the normal game results in winning of the player or when the normal game results in a tie.

Further, while, in each embodiment, there has been described a case where a dealer serves as a banker, a single player may serve as a banker when a plurality of players take part in a game.

Further, while, in the first and second embodiments, there have been described cases where blackjack is played, and in the third and fourth embodiments, there have been described cases where Pai-Gow poker is played, there is no particular limitation on the card game to be played in the present invention. Also, the numbers of player's cards and banker's cards may be changed as appropriate.

While, in each embodiment, there has been described a case where playing cards are used to play a game, the cards (player's cards and banker's cards) according to the present invention are not limited to playing cards, but may be, for example, tarot cards.

While, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, there have been described cases where players play Pai-Gow poker by viewing the main monitor 2 and the liquid crystal displays 10 included in the stations, the gaming machine according to the present invention is only required to include either a main monitor or liquid crystal displays (displays included in the stations). In the case of this structure, the dealer's cards (the banker's cards) and the player's cards may be displayed together to the main monitor or the displays in the stations.

Further, as a side BET according to the present invention, there may be employed a known side BET, such as Insurance in blackjack and Progressive Jackpot in Caribbean Stud Poker.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate concrete examples, not restrict the present invention. The concrete structures of respective means and the like can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects of the present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the present specification have been used for clearly describing the present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling engineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but are not familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent, law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical content and the essence of the present application through brief studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated from the description of the claims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention.

In the aforementioned detailed description, there have been described processes to be executed by computers. The aforementioned description and expressions have been described for the sake of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step for deriving a single result should be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes transmission, reception, recording and the like of electric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further, although the processing at each step was described using expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processes described in the present specification are to be executed by various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures required for conducting each step will be apparent from the aforementioned description. 

1. A playing method of a card game comprising the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards to a player as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards to a banker as banker's cards; (b) placing a side BET different from a normal BET; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing a hand of said player's cards with a hand of said banker's cards; (d) dealing a predetermined number of additional cards to the player aside from said player's cards, on condition that said side BET is placed, when said normal game results in a loss of the player; (e) determining a result of an additional game by using at least said player's cards and said additional cards.
 2. The playing method of a card game according to claim 1, wherein said additional game is a game, the result of which is determined by comparing said player's cards with said additional cards.
 3. The playing method of a card game according to claim 1, wherein said additional game is a game, the result of which is determined based on a hand of said player's cards and said additional cards.
 4. The playing method of a card game according to claim 1, wherein said additional game is a game, in which any of said player's cards is replaced by said additional card, and the result of which is determined based on a hand of cards after replacement.
 5. The playing method of a card game according to claim 1, wherein said additional game is a game, in which the order of the card strength is changed based on said additional cards, and the result of which is determined by comparing a hand of said player's cards with a hand of said banker's cards, based on the order of the card strength after changing.
 6. A gaming machine comprising: a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input device; and a controller, said controller programmed to conduct the processing of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player's cards and a predetermined number of banker's cards to said display; (b) accepting an input of side BET different from a normal BET, from said input device; (c) determining a result of a normal game by comparing a hand of said player's cards with a hand of said banker's cards; (d) displaying a predetermined number of additional cards to said display, aside from said player's cards and said banker's cards, on condition that said side BET is placed, when said normal game results in a loss of the player; and (e) determining a result of an additional game by using at least said player's cards and said additional cards.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said additional game is a game, the result of which is determined by comparing said player's cards with said additional cards.
 8. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said additional game is a game, the result of which is determined based on a hand of said player's cards and said additional cards.
 9. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said additional game is a game, in which any of said player's cards is replaced by said additional card, and the result of which is determined based on a hand of cards after replacement.
 10. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein said additional game is a game, in which the order of the card strength is changed based on said additional cards, and the result of which is determined by comparing a hand of said player's cards with a hand of said banker's cards, based on the order of the card strength after changing. 